Opening Weekend...

Okay, before we get to the reason for my blog, let me give you a little bit of background information. I started riding horses when I was 12 thanks to my best friend. Horses had always been my passion, but being raised by my grandparents, we were never financially able to buy a good, well broke horse. A miracle happened, my friend knew someone who was looking to find a good home for an old horse they had & my home fit the bill. Yay! I was stoked! I went and picked up this little 21 yr old paint mare named Apachie! I got involved in the local 4-H and Apachie quickly helped me learn how to better my riding skills. I rode her through high school competing in barrels & playday events. Then, I fell in love, got married, and pretty much quit riding. She was too old to compete any more & I had a full time job & a husband to worry about.

I missed riding, but Apachie was retired and living peacefully in the pasture, until last winter when we sadly had to put her down @ age 33. Last year, I decided I couldn't sit by and watch everyone ride while I was sitting on the sidelines, so 6 years and two kids later, I told my husband I had to find a horse, so I did. I bought a 15 yr old AQHA gelding, "Doc's Duce Bar" aka "Doc" and I love him. You see, rodeo & barrel racing has always been a dream of mine. Taking him to the BBR finals is a goal I will someday obtain.

"Doc" had never seen a barrel until last summer, but I figured I could pattern him, so that's exactly what I did. He's all heart and loves to run. I'm still not in the "go fast" mode as taking a 6 year break kind of put me out of shape, but I'm getting there, slow and sure.

Anyhow, that's what this blog is going to be about, mine and Doc's progress as we strengthen the bonds between us and get back in the groove of a sport I love. I took him to a big jackpot on the 13th & 14th of March. We still have a long row to hoe as far as getting where we need to be in competition, but we are having the time of our lives. I'm once again, finally, chasing cans & living my dream.

Pic was taken on his first lope around a barrel last summer, 2009.